According to a complaint filed by Congress functionary Kaushik Vidyarthee, one of the passengers, the special flight that took off from Delhi around 9.20 am developed “unexplained technical failures” around 10.45 am.

Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day tour of Karnataka ahead of the May 12 assembly elections in the state.(AFP Photo)

The Congress on Thursday sought an investigation by the Karnataka police after an aircraft carrying party president Rahul Gandhi and four others from Delhi to Hubli developed a glitch.

According to a complaint filed by Congress functionary Kaushik Vidyarthee, one of the passengers, the special flight that took off from Delhi around 9.20 am developed “unexplained technical failures” around 10.45 am.

Hinting at the possibility of a conspiracy, the complaint said the plane “shuddered violently”, tilting to one side, while a noise was audible. The complaint also said the autopilot did not function and that the plane landed in Hubli only on the third attempt.

“It is to be stated that the weather outside was sunny, normal and not windy as per the observation of the passengers and as per the forecast of the day,” the complaint said. “The crew was also petrified and admitted that the flight was particularly frightening and uncommon,”it added.

The pilot and the crew of the aircraft have been questioned, an official at Hubli airport said on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Kaushal Vidyarthee, travelling in Special Flight New Delhi-Hubli, with 4 others including Rahul Gandhi, writes to DG&IG K'taka stating 'unexplained technical failures' occurred during course of flight; also adds 'shuddering & altitude dipping were not natural or weather related'. pic.twitter.com/XeVLN0syXi

Gandhi is on a two-day tour of Karnataka ahead of the May 12 assembly elections in the state.

“Yes, we have received a complaint about some unexplained turbulence of the aircraft,” Renuka Sukumar, DCP (Law and Order), Hubbali-Dharwad Police, said. “We have registered a complaint under Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to machinery) and 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC.”

The complaint that names the two pilots was filed by KPCC General Secretary Shakir Sanadi, she said.

He said a complaint has been sumbitted to the DGP Karnataka asking him to look into all aspects of the “serious, horrific incident”, including foul play if any. He said it was unprecedented that a flight carrying an SPG protectee would develop a snag.

Gandhi maintained his composure and tried to calm the co-passengers down, Surjewala added.

Another complaint has been filed with the DGCA, demanding a thorough inquiry into the incident, Surjewala added.

A senior DGCA official said, “The operator has reported the incident to us (DGCA). According to the operator’s report, it was a snag of auto pilot mode and the pilot shifted to the manual (mode) and (the aircraft) landed safely. Shutdown of auto pilot (mode) incidents are not uncommon. For any VIP flight, the DGCA examines it in detail. We shall do that here also,” the official told PTI.

Citing the report from the Air Traffic Controller, a senior official at the Hubbali airport said the plane had landed safely.